Guarani, Ava in Paraguay

Introduction / History

At one time the Avi Guarani were called the Chiriguanos or Chiriguano. They had a reputation for being warlike, even amongst themselves. They went so far as to attack the mighty Incans in around the time the Spanish Empire was making it’s mark in South America. They also attacked and even enslaved Spaniards, who had no qualms about killing them. After periodic rounds of rebellions, they were subjugated in 1892. They re-emerged at the Ava Guarani in 1970. Though most are in Paraguay and Argentina, some reside in Brazil.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They hunt, fish and gather honey, fruits and vegetables, and all have to work on the farm. They raise animals and work on neighboring ranches. Permanent deforestation and contamination with agrochemicals force them to migrate to urban centers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Among their traditions are: jeroky ñembo'e or sacred dance where the oporaíva transmit cultural values through mythical stories. The whole community participates, while the oporaíva or shamans sing, a women's choir marks the rhythm with the takuara hitting the ground and everyone dances and shares a fermented corn-based drink. The jeroky ñembo'e strengthens ties with divine beings but also between community members. Another important aspect is the medicine based on the knowledge of the therapeutic properties of different plants and the one based on the power of the oporaíva.

They have a ceremony called Mitakaraí, where they receive their inner names or forest names.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ava Guaraní want to recover ancestral lands and progress in the areas of education and economics. In Bolivia, many still live in dept peonage and forced labor.

Prayer Points

Pray for Jesus to be revealed to them as the only way, the truth and the life.
May they thirst for the word of God.
When trials come, may they turn to the true God for help and not to their old gods.
Pray for Christian leaders willing to work with them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project